Assurance Wireless announced that along with its Free Talk and Text plan for low income households in certain states an added $5 Talk and Text plan to double the text an talk for those who need it. The program is especially for those looking for work. Assurance Wireless is a Lifeline Assistance program supported by the federal Universal Service Fund.

Assurance Wireless customers will still have the option of obtaining 1,000 total voice minutes and 1,000 text messages for $20 per month.

All of the offers include a Service Protector feature, which ensures that the basic 250 free minutes and texts are guaranteed each month a customer is eligible, even if a customer cannot pay the additional dollars during a particular month.

To learn more about Assurance Wireless, including eligibility requirements, please call 1-800-395-2171 or visit www.assurancewireless.com.

A nationwide survey from Assurance Wireless showed that adults with an income of less than $25,000 are as likely to use their mobile phone for employment searches as those with higher incomes.

“I was unemployed for an extended amount of time because of layoffs,” stated Assurance Wireless customer Evan M. “The phone and service I received from Assurance Wireless were invaluable to my finding new employment and to my efforts to recover from this recession. It allowed me to contact potential employers and provide a way for them to respond to me, while also saving money. Having a child with a disability, I can honestly say Assurance Wireless has been miraculously helpful in keeping me connected with a team of specialists at three hospitals to coordinate ongoing and critically needed care for my children. Assurance Wireless also provides peace of mind, knowing that my daughter and son are only a call away every time they are away from home.”

Customers eligible for Assurance Wireless include those who participate in Medicaid, Food Stamps/SNAP, Supplemental Security Income/SSI, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families/TANF, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program/LIHEAP, Section 8 Housing and The National School Lunch Program’s Free Lunch Program (NSL). Customers may also qualify based on low household income. Eligibility varies by state.

In addition to a voice mail account and call waiting, Assurance Wireless provides caller ID and access to 911 in case of emergency. Beyond the 250 free voice minutes each month, customers can choose from other options to pay for additional minutes, texting, international calling and more at competitive rates.

Assurance Wireless is available in 32 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin. This list of states continues to expand and can be found on the Assurance Wireless website.